The moon sat high in the cloudless night sky over a certain lake in Switzerland. The moon shined across the lake giving it an ethereal white glow. The waves softly rippled the surface of the water, making the lake shimmer silver.
On one of the lakes shores, several people had gathered with small and large bundles of neatly and not so neatly wrapped boxes and bags. Dr. Angel Ferrer Hidalgo was putting the finishing touches on a certain item. The 27th Maou of Shin Makoku King Shibuya Yuuri Harajuku Furi was watching Dr. Ferrer intently. The king wondered why the good doctor was tying a life vest onto a cling film wrapped white briefcase. He had to ask. "Angel, why are you tying a life vest onto the case?"
Angel looked up to Yuuri from his position, "Well Yuuri, this case is the defibrillator." He pointed to the defibrillator. "Unlike the rest of the packages, this will sink. I don't want to lose it."
Yuuri cocked an eyebrow. "Angel we will be arriving inside a shallow fountain. It won't sink into a bottomless lake or anything. Don't you think you're over doing it?"
"I rather be preventive," responded Angel.
"Yuu-chan," Shouri Shibuya called out to his brother. "Dr Ferrer is correct. You should always wear a life vest when travelling between worlds. Anything can happen, and you may end up in the middle of an ocean."
Yuuri groaned and had to comment on Shouri's last. "Since when have I arrived at the wrong place?"
"I can think of one time: the day we landed on King Saralegui' ship."
"Well, when we landed on Sara's ship was because I thought of arriving on the ship belonging to the king of Cimeron. I did not realise that I should have concentrated on the ship of the king of Greater Cimeron, since Sara was also there!"
Angel, Bob, and Jose watched the interaction between the two brothers. One brother was being overprotective and interfering. The other brother was overly demanding his independence. Another fierce argument was about to begin between the brothers.
"And further more, how was I supposed to know that Sara would be there?" Yuuri eyed his brother. He was seriously becoming annoyed with Shouri. "Just drop it Shouri." He turned around to face the lake, grabbed a few tied packages, and took them into the water.
Before Angel picked up a bundle, he had pulled out of a bag what looked like a dark blue workman's suit. He removed his shoes, and he began to put on over his clothing. Yuuri looked at him perplexed. What was Angel doing now? Once he finished putting on the article of clothing he zipped it to reveal, what he had just put on, was a neoprene frogman suit. Yuuri started to laugh and asked, "Where is your swimming cap?"
Angel bent down and pulled out a red swimming cap from the bag. "Here it is," he said cheerfully as he twirled it on his finger. Yuuri laughed even harder.
Shouri did not find it amusing. "That is an excellent idea. Yuu-chan you should wear one too. Mother would not want you to catch a cold."
"Haven't caught one yet!" retorted Yuuri. He looked out the corner of his eye towards Angel now wearing the red cap. He silently admitted to himself that it was an excellent idea. Not because it meant that he would not catch a cold but that his clothing would be dry. He of course would dispense with the ridiculous cap. It was a thought he would need to keep in mind.
Angel finished packing his shoes and socks into a plastic zip lock bag. He picked several bundles and helped Yuuri put them into the lake's water. Yuuri looked around to make sure that they had picked up all the bundles when he noticed two long rectangular cases that were off to the side. Each was a metre and a half long, black, neatly wrapped in cling film, but leaving the handles exposed. He wondered if they were also medical equipment. "What are those?" he asked as he pointed at them.
Angel looked back to the two cases that Yuuri was pointing at. He walked over to them and picked them up by the handles – one in each hand. He smiled at Yuuri and said as a matter-of-fact whilst walking into the water, "Swords and sabres!" Yuuri's mouth gasped open.
Angel was a doctor, was he not? He was suppose to save lives, was he not? Then what the hell was he doing with swords? Was Angel a walking oxymoron? Yuuri did not dare ask anymore questions for the time being. He would ask once they arrived home.
Yuuri entered the lake as Shori called out to him. "Yuu-chan, when will you be coming home?"
Yuuri turned towards his brother and said, "I'll come and visit in a couple of months. Tell mom and dad I love them, and I'll bring Greta and Wolf over for a visit."
"I'll tell them. And Yuu-chan, it is Mama!" Shori smiled at his younger brother.
Yuuri began to laugh remembering his mother's antics, and he smiled back at Shori. He waved bye to everyone at the shoreline. He turned to Angel and said, "Ready?"
Angel felt his stomach drop. He had the sudden realisation that he was going to be teleported to another world through a vortex of water. What if he got lost along the way and became stuck in the vortex? Could he trust the teen-aged kid next to him? He felt someone shaking his arm and looked over. "Angel?" said Yuuri.
"Uh…Si…I'm fine. Ya…Ich bin bereit." Angel gripped the handles of the cases tighter.
"We'll go through first and then the packages," explained Yuuri. Yuuri thanked Anissina from afar for the translation device in his ear. It seemed that Angel was beginning to confuse languages.
"Vale…what ever vous dites," said Angel. His heart began to pound in his chest. What the hell was he doing standing in the middle of a lake in the middle of the night? He watched Yuuri close his eyes in, concentrate, reopen them, and say "let's go!" Angel felt a sudden pull around his legs. He looked down, and the water was swirling around him. "QUE JODEEEER!" he yelled as he was yanked into the depths of the lake.
***M***
"Ulrike he'll be at the castle in a few minutes," said Shinou. "Help me fend him off somewhere else!"
"But where? Here?" asked Ulrike as she moved her hand across the globe in the middle of the chamber. The globe changed from the scene in the royal dinning room to one of many bright dots in a dark background.
"No, not here, we're to close to the castle. Who's that?" Shinou pointed to a bright spot that seamed to be moving closer to the edge of the globe.
"That is Lady Gisela von Christ," replied Ulrike. "She is near Lake Tegem."
"I'll redirect him there," said Shinou. He closed his eyes to concentrate, but immediately reopened them. "I can't do it. He's with someone."
"Must by Lord Shori," said Ulrike.
"Ulrike, I'll need your help," said Shinou. Ulrike nodded her head in agreement. They both closed their eyes. "And don't forget to mask his presence," said Shinou. Ulrike nodded in affirmation.
***M***
Wolfram walked around the dinning room quietly picking up the shredded remnants of the diary. Murata joined him quietly in the task. Both young men thought the same thing. They were dead. How were they going to explain what happened to the diary? They both knew that Yuuri would find out immediately upon his return. All Yuuri had to do was open the bottom drawer and see that his diary missing. He would ask questions, and Wolfram knew that he would have to tell the truth. It was only fair.
Murata knew that Yuuri was going to blame him for the reading, blame Wolfram for taking the diary, blame Lord Weller for not being the voice of reason, blame Lord von Christ for jumping to conclusions, blame Lord von Voltaire for not stopping the reading, blame Shinou for being meddlesome, blame Lady Celi for sticking her nose into his love life, blame Lady Anissina for the destruction, and blame Yozak for…for…for…for… – just being there!
Both Wolfram and Murata were oblivious to the argument between Gwendal and Anissina. Anissina blamed Gwendal for not knowing how to handle her invention. Gwendal blamed Anissina for bringing in her monstrous invention. Celi stepped in between attempting to calm both of them down, but she had no luck.
Conrart ignored the yelling match and tried to help Gunter off the table. He could not budge the demon off. Gunter cried and wailed, "Oh my majesty's precious diary! Oh his majesty is going to hate me! Oh his majesty is going to banish me!" etc, etc, etc. Conrart inwardly groaned as he told Gunter to calm down.
Yozak surveyed the room looking at the torn pages and the destroyed invention. He looked at the befuddled soldiers as the stayed rooted in their spots not knowing what to do. He stepped over to the soldiers gave them orders. Two of them were to pick up the pieces of the invention, and the other three to help Wolfram and Murata with the diary. He walked towards Conrart to help him with Gunter.
The noise level in the room was increasing steadily between the arguing and the crying to the extent that someone yelled, "QUIET!" Everyone stopped what they were doing. They turned towards the person that had yelled. Celi was glowing yellow. Her pupils had turned to slits. Everyone seemed to have forgotten the she had once been the Maou and rightly so. She pushed Anissina and Gwendal apart and said, "Stop your bickering. What is done is done! We must now find a solution to the problem." She turned towards Gunter and said, "Stop your wailing Gunter. It is most unbecoming of you! Do you wish for the Maou to see you this way?" Gunter quieted down. She turned to Anissina. "Anissina, is there any possibility we can repair the diary?"
Anissina frowned in thought, and within a few seconds, her electric blue eyes lit up. She turned towards Murata and asked him, "Your Highness, what was that invention you told me about that could stick pieces of paper together? I think you called it sylo tope."
Murata lowered his head in thought, and then raised his head remembering what he had described to Lady Anissina. His glasses glinted as he said with a broad smile, "Cellophane tape! It could actually work if you make it invisible and smooth."
Conrart asked, "Cellophane tape?"
Murata replied, "I believe you may know it by its American name which is scotch tape."
Conrart smiled remembering his trip to Boston, "That could work."
"What is it?" asked Gwendal.
Before Conrart or Murata could answer Gwendal, Celi said, "Anissina make the tape." She turned to Murata, "Your Highness help Anissina. The rest of you pick up every single sliver of paper, and when you are finished take it all to Anissina's laboratory. I want it even the smallest thread of paper taken up to her. Does everyone understand?"
The men in the room in unison said, "Yes my Lady!"
"After that, I want to see Wolfram, Gwendal, Conrart, Yozak, and Gunter in my office!"
Wolfram shyly and fearfully pointed out, "Um, mother - you don't have an office anymore."
Celi, who was returning to normal, tilted her head as if nothing had ever happened, and said to Wolfram sweetly, "Oh that's right dear, in Yuuri's office then." She bent down and started to pick up the scattered parts of the diary. Anissina and Murata, who already had pieces of the diary, left the room. The rest began to scour the room for the remains of the dead diary.
***M***
Yuuri came up to the surface of the water gasping for air. He sensed something was wrong as soon as he was sucked into the vortex. He could not touch the bottom of the fountain. He knew that he was not at the castle fountain. Insuring that Angel was with him, he began to look around the lake surface. He heard a splashing noise behind him and turned. Angel popped up also gasping for air, and Yuuri swam towards him.
Angel began flung the cases in his hands while trying to touch the bottom of what he thought was a fountain. "How deep is this fountain?" he shouted across to Yuuri. When Yuuri reached him he said, "We're not at the castle fountain."
"WHAT! You said that we were to arrive at the castle!"
"I know what I said, but something or someone pulled us here! I'll explain as soon as figure out what happened." Yuuri took one of the cases from Angel's hands and began to swim towards the shoreline. Angel followed his lead.
When they reached the shoreline, Yuuri dropped the case he was holding onto the sand. He shook his head and pulled out Anissina's hearing device. He raised his right hand, palm up, and a small blue light appeared. The light showered the surrounding are in a blue glow. Angel watched in fascination as Yuuri looked around the area. "Linterna instantánea," said Angel.
Yuuri turned and looked at Angel quizzically. "What did you say?"
It was Angel's turn to look at Yuuri quizzically. "¿Que dices?"
"Oh!" exclaimed Yuuri. He showed Angel the hearing device. Angel did not understand what Yuuri was trying to tell him. Yuuri put the device back in his ear. "Do you understand me now?"
"Yes! What is that?"
"It is one of Anissina's best inventions. It's a translation device. I have another one in my bag for you to use."
"I see. I said instant torch light." Angel pointed towards Yuuri's glowing palm.
Yuuri smiled and said, "I could brighten it up more, but I don't dare until I know where we are and if it is safe."
Understanding the gravity of the situation, Angel ripped off the cling film of one of the cases and opened it. He pulled out a sword and handed it to Yuuri. He was not sure if Yuuri knew how to properly use a sword, but it would not hurt if he had on in hand.
Yuuri took the sword and noticed the weight and balance. "Nice balance," he said.
Surprised at Yuuri's remark, Angel said "Thank you. It has been in my family for centuries. The pummel is the eight point star from the Hidalgo coat of arms." Angel proceeded to take out a second sword from the case. "What now," he asked.
Yuuri brought up the light emitting from his hand to see more of the area. Angel looked around also and then heard Yuuri say, "Why are we at Tegem Lake?"
"Tegem Lake?" questioned Angel.
"We are about an hour ride from the castle and 45 minutes from the temple. There is a road about 10 metres from hear. Something must be going on for us to have come here instead."
"You mean an outside force pushed us over here?"
"Yeah, and I know exactly who could do it."
"Who?"
"Shinou the meddler!"
"You mean the Original King?"
"Yep, and no one else." Yuuri looked towards the lake. "We better get the rest of the stuff out of the water, hide in the shrubbery, and then walk to the temple."
"We're not heading to the castle?"
Yuuri shook is head. "The temple is closer, and I want answers." Yuuri handed the sword back to Angel, and walked back into the water to retrieve the bundles. Angel returned the swords to the case, but he did not close it. He wanted to keep them at the ready. He also walked into the water and said with a smirk in his voice, "Well I am glad I put the life vest on the defibrillator!"
Once they had pulled out all the bundles from the water, they proceeded to hide them in the nearby shrubbery. As they were doing so, they heard a horse and carriage coming down the road. Angel quickly ran to the open case, grabbed the swords, and threw one to Yuuri. Yuuri, the baseball trained catcher, caught the sword by its handle gracefully. Angel walked up to him with sword readied. He followed Yuuri closely as they approached the road.
A short ways up a single horse drawn open cart began to slowly approach them. A soft green light emitted from one of the passengers hand. Yuuri instantly knew to whom the light belong too. "GISELA!" he shouted across the road.
Gisela stood up on the cart when she heard her named called from a short distance. She recognised the voice immediately. "Your Majesty," she called.
Yuuri left his hiding place and ran towards the horse and cart. Angel followed behind. When they reached the cart Yuuri said, "I am so glad to see you Gisela!"
Astonished, Gisela asked, "What are you doing here your Majesty? You're soaking wet!" She turned to the back of the cart and pulled out a blanket.
Yuuri scratched the back of his head and answered, "That is what I would like to know. I was aiming for the castle fountain but we ended up in the lake." He gladly took the blanket from Gisela and wrapped it around himself.
When Yuuri said 'we and lake', Gisela took notice that Yuuri was not alone. She looked at the funny dressed man behind Yuuri. She stifled her giggle. Angel was still wearing the red swimming cap and frogman suit. Yuuri looked at Angel and began to laugh also. Angel did not realise why they were laughing until Gisela nodded towards Angel and said, "Is that the latest fashion in headwear on Earth?"
Yuuri laughed even harder and said, "Great first impression Angel."
Angel realised that he was still wearing the suit and gave them a scornful smile whilst taking of the cap liberating his bronze hair. He ran his fingers through his hair, combing it perfectly. He then stepped closer to the cart as he slowly unzipped the suit. He made sure to slowly strip out of the suit. Gisela watched in fascination as the man stripped, as Yuuri shook his head at Angel's performance. Gisela at first thought the man was crazy for stripping in front of her until she realised that he had other clothing underneath. Once Angel removed the suit he said to Gisela, "Unlike his Majesty, I am completely dry and not soaking wet." He gave Gisela a movie star smile. Gisela smiled back at the handsome man before her not understanding what he had said. Time seemed to stop for both of them as they stared into each other's eyes.
"Ahem…" said Yuuri. Both Gisela and Angel turned towards Yuuri. "I think introductions…"
"I'm sorry Yuuri. I don't understand a word," said Angel.
"Oh sorry, be right back" said Yuuri and ran back to retrieve his rucksack. When he returned, he pulled out Anissina's unused device and handed to Angel motioning him to place it in his ear. Angel placed it his ear, whilst Yuuri took out his. "Can you understand me?"
"Yeah, I didn't know you spoke Spanish!" remarked Angel.
"I'm not speaking Spanish. I'm actually speaking the Mazoku language.
"Well then how do you understand me?"
"The device translates your speech, so we hear you speaking our language," explained Yuuri.
Angel was marvelled by the invention and enthusiastically said, "I really would like to meet Anissina!"
"NO!" said Yurri and Gisela at the same time. Yuuri quickly turned the subject, "As I was saying before, I think introductions are in order. Gisela this is Doctor Angel Ferrer Hidalgo. And Angel, this is Captain Gisela von Christ - Shin Makoku's best healer."
Angel bowed and said, "It is an immense pleasure to meet you my lady." He stretched out his hand for a handshake. Gisela stretched her hand towards Angel, but was surprised when Angel took her hand, turned it, and kissed it. Gisela blushed and giggled at his action. They once again stared into each other's eyes.
"Ahem," said Yuuri. Gisela and Angel popped out of their mutual trance. "And this is Ulrich Müller," said Yuuri signalling Gisela's companion who was holding the reigns of the horse. Ulrich waved a hello to Angel.
"It is a pleasure to meet you too, Mr. Müller," said Angel.
"Just Ulrich is fine," replied Ulrich.
Gisela added, "He's my right hand and best healer." Ulrich slightly blushed at Gisela's praise.
"Gisela are you guys heading towards the castle?" asked Yuuri.
"Actually, we need to stop by the temple first and drop off some medicinal herbs, but if…" replied Gisela.
"Great! I need to go to the temple first. I want to know why I ended up here!" Yuuri looked over to Ulrich and added, "Ulrich mind helping us put our packages into the cart?"
"Be glad too," replied Ulrich.
The three men went over to where Yuuri and Angel had hidden the packages. They picked up all the packages and cases and placed them in the cart. Once they had finished, Ulrich climbed into the cart and sat next to the bundles. Yuuri was about to climb in also but was stopped by Ulrich. "Your Majesty should sit up front!"
Yuuri smiled and winked at Ulrich. "I can sit back here. Lady Gisela and Dr. Ferrer should get know each other. They are both healers, so they probably have a lot to discuss."
Ulrich turned and looked at Angel and then Gisela.
Angel then remarked smile, "I would like to talk to Lady Gisela about the herbs." He gracefully jumped up into the front of the cart and sat next to Gisela. He asked Gisela for the reigns of the horse which she happily gave to him. Angel elegantly said to Gisela, "My Lady will have to give me directions to the temple." Gisela nodded in response and said, "Oh certainly."
Ulrich whispered to Yuuri, "She's tough!"
To which Yuuri replied, "Oh, but he is so smooth." Yuuri reached for one of the bundles and opened it. It contained dry clothing and shoes.
***M***
"It looks like they have met up by the lake," said Shinou as he looked at Ulrike's globe.
"It appears that way," replied Ulrike.
"Ulrike send a temple guard out to meet them and have them come here."
"Yes your Majesty. Do you want to send a message along?"
"Just inform them that I wish to speak to the Maou."
"Very well your Majesty." Ulrike turned away from the globe and left the shrine.
***M***
Celi, Gwendal, Conrad, Yozak, Gunter, three soldiers, and Wolfram lagging behind made there way quietly to Anissina's lab. Their hands held the precious pieces have the shredded diary. Celi looked back and saw that Wolfram was lagging behind. "Pick up the pace Wolfram," she said. Wolfram looked ahead and noticed that he was falling behind.
Wolfram had a reason to fall back. He was deep in thought about what he had sensed, felt. When his mother had yelled quiet, he had sensed a great power appearing. At first he felt as if Yuuri had returned, but then had noticed his mother's transformation. He figured that what he felt was his mother's magic, but he still had that uneasy feeling that the power he felt had come a few milliseconds before his mother changed. He must be tired to think that Yuuri had come back so soon he thought to himself.
The group reached Anissina's lab and gingerly filed in. Anissina and Murata where discussing on how to make the cellophane tape. "It seems simple enough to make, however the problem is making it completely invisible," said Anissina.
"Not only that," replied the Sage "but also not noticeable to the touch."
"How is coming along?" asked Gwendal.
"Ah Gwendal I might need your assistance later on and yours too Gunter," said Anissina. Both demons gulped, and Gwendal offered a better assistant, "Wolfram would be a better choice." It was a small revenge for all the times that Wolfram and Yuuri had pointed Anissina towards his hiding place.
"Ah yes, excellent idea Gwendal," she said as she looked at the fire demon with a mad scientist glint in her eyes.
"I will be unavailable since I have to make sure that Yuuri does not find out about the diary. It well certainly take up all my time! … We brought the dairy," said Wolfram quickly changing the subject. "Where do you want us to leave it?" Gwendal and Gunter groaned in the background. Wolfram had weaselled himself out yet again.
Murata picked up a small box and walked over to the group. "Just place it in here," he said as he moved the box in front of each person as if he was asking for donations. As each person placed their contents in the box they quickly made their get-away from the lab. The last one to place his pieces in the box was Wolfram, and unlike the rest he did not leave. He still had that funny feeling from before and decided to ask Murata his opinion. He looked at Murata thoughtfully and asked, "You know when mother went Maou mode, I thought I felt a, well more like sensed, a great power."
"I know what you mean," replied the Sage. "For a millisecond it felt like Shibuya, but I guess it was Lady Celi."
"That is what I felt. I guess it was mother." Both young demons left it at that.
***M***
Gisela and Angel were quietly talking about different medicinal herbs as the cart strolled down the road towards Shinou's temple. In the back Ulrich quietly listened in to the conversation. The gentle rocking of the cart caused Yuuri to fall asleep. "May I ask why you came?" curiosity had finally taken hold of Gisela.
"Well the truth is I had heard a lot about Shin Makoku from Shouri and wanted to visit."
"Lord Shouri? His Majesties brother?"
"Yes. Actually it was sort of his idea for me to come."
"As a 'keep an eye on little brother' spy?"
Angel could not help but laugh. "I think that was his plan until Yuuri shot it down and said no to his plan."
"What do you mean by shot it down?"
"Shouri wanted me to come here as ambassador, but Yuuri told him no. He said that he would have to discuss any diplomatic issues with his advisors first."
"But you are here anyway?"
"I convinced him to let me come."
Gisela smiled, "How did you convince him?" She wanted to know what seductive power the man sitting next to her had.
"You want to know the truth?"
"Of course!"
Angel smiled seductively and said, "I told him the honest truth. And…" he moved closer to her "that truth is I had heard a lot about a certain beautiful woman." He looked straight into Gisela's eyes "I wanted to meet you." Luckily for Gisela it was night or her extraordinary blush would have not gone unnoticed. She turned away when she heard a galloping horse coming towards them. She pointed at the road. "Look it's a temple guard!" Inwardly Angel groaned as the guard approached them.
An amazonian rider stopped when she reached the cart. "My lady is his majesty with you?"
Both Gisela and Angel turned and looked at the back of the cart. Ulrich placed a finger to his lips as a sign to stay silent or least to keep the noise level down. All four people looked at the sleeping form of their king.
***M***
"Now that we are all here, I want to go over my plan on how to avoid Yuuri from finding out about the destruction of his diary," said Celi. Celi was seated in Yuuri's chair. Conrart along with Yozak were leaning against the back wall, while Gunter and Gwendal were seated in front of Yuuri's desk. Wolfram stood with his arms crossed between Gunter and Gwendal.
"I could take him into the library to study for the entire day," volunteered Gunter.
Wolfram had to retort. "Right and he will do one of his famous escapes, and of course where he has been hiding in here lately?" Humph!
"Wolfram has a point," said Conrad. "We need to find an excellent excuse for him not to come into his office."
"That dear is quite simple," said Celi. The men looked at her. What did she have in mind? "Wolfram dear do you still have those awful smelling paints?"
Wolfram looked at his mother questioningly, and quickly realised what she was planning. "Oh yes I do!"
"What paint?" asked Gwendal.
Wolfram patted Gwendal's shoulder, "Bearbee paint."
Gwendal grimaced at the memory of the smell. "What do you want the paint for?"
Celi and Wolfram said at the exact same instant, "This office needs to be redecorated!"
"OHHHHH the smell!" laughed out Yozak.
"That well keep him away from here for weeks," said Conrart. He started to laugh.
Gwendal raised an eyebrow it was going to be an inconvenience to have Yuuri out of his office, but it had to be done. He looked at his younger brother, "When can you have the paint ready?"
"I have a few small jars of white and yellow concentrated bearbee paint. If mixed with enough ordinary white wall paint to cover these walls the mixture will should smell for a few weeks. I can get the jars now, and have a soldier ready it by tomorrow morning. The painting can start by mid morning."
Conrart interjected, "That will be right before he arrives. We will be cutting it close."
Gunter then spoke the obvious, "Don't forget that we also have a Round Table."
Gwendal smirked. "Excellent. That is one day taken care of. Then the next Saralegui will arrive, and I'll make sure Yuuri goes and greets him at the docks." Gwendal earned a groan form Wolfram.
Wolfram had to point something out. "I just want to remind everyone that Yuuri will be expecting paper work when he returns."
"Then I will let him use my office or Conrart's," said Gwendal.
"Well that takes care of two days," said Celi. She looked at her youngest. "Wolfram it is your DUTY as the King's betrothed to insure that he stays away from this office. You will need to be with him every second and don't let him out of your sight." Everyone agreed to this even the two reluctant brothers. However…
Wolfram had completely forgotten about the little white lie…err…cover up he had told them before. His face paled as his blood ran to his feet. If Yuuri had signed the document then he had no excuse for him to be next to Yuuri. "I have a confession to make," he said softly.
"What is it dear?" asked his mother as everyone's ears perked up.
"I lied about the document," Wolfram whispered.
Gwendal's left eye twitched. "What did you lie about?"
Wolfram lowered his head. "It is not about a wedding date."
Conrart quickly asked, "Wolfram did you ask for the engagement to be terminated?"
Everyone stared look at Wolfram as he nodded and quietly said, "Yes."
"WOLFRAM," rang through the walls of the office. Great, that put a slight damper on Wolfram keeping an eye
"Wolfram how could you?" asked Celi. At that moment she was not pleased with her youngest.
Wolfram felt everyone's pair of eyes on him. "I was upset about the ball."
"But we know what happened at the ball!" said Gwendal.
"We know now! You and Conrart were upset also!"
"Point taken," replied Conrart as he approached the king's desk.
"We'll have to do some damage control," said Gwendal.
Celi began to look through the stacks of paper in front of her. "Are you sure it is not here?"
"I'm positive. I went through each stack several times. That is why I ended up opening the drawer. He must have it with him," replied Wolfram.
Gwendal was about to make several comments on Wolfram's behaviour when Celi shushed him. "Wolfram, I want to go to bed now and sleep. I want you to be stress free for when Yuuri returns. Be the first to greet him and apologise for your behaviour. If you have to get down on your knees and beg for forgiveness do it! Find out if he has the stupid document. And if he has it, destroy it!"
She turned looked at Gunter. "Gunter you are not to fling yourself at Yuuri. Let Wolfram handle Yuuri."
She looked up to Conrart. "Conrart, I know that you are always there with a towel ready for him. Give the towel to Wolfram. I don't want anyone else near Yuuri and Wolfram when Yuuri arrives."
"Mother, what if Yuuri has signed it off already? Wolfram will have no reason to be constantly with the kid," said Gwendal.
Celi stood up. "Well if that is the case, Wolfram will just have to slap Yuuri across the left cheek. In any case, Wolfram and Yuuri are meant for each other and that is final. A mother knows best! And if he has signed it," she pointed at Wolfram, "grab it and burn it! Oh and tell Conrart where to find the paint."
She then looked at Conrart and Yozak, "You both take care of the paint."
To Gunter and Gwendal she said, "And you two find ways of entertaining him. That means NO lessons and NO paperwork! Do I make myself clear?" She slammed her hand down on the desk. The men in the office all gulped. And without a word, they silently made their way out of the office. They knew Celi well enough not to disobey her. When she gave orders they were meant to be followed no questions asked. She was after all a mastermind in planning.
Outside in the corridor Wolfram informed Conrart and Yozak were to find the paint. Gunter and Gwendal discussed how to keep his majesty 'entertained'. After a brief chat each person went about their duties: Wolfram to his shared chamber, Conrart and Yozak to find the bearbee paint and mix it, Gwendal to find ways of making the Round Table not too boring for his majesty while doing some knitting, and Gunter to come up with ways for his Most Magnificent Majestic Majesty to notice him just in case Little Lord Brat was no longer engaged to Yuuri.
Celi watched the men go their separate ways. She could not believe what Wolfram had done. Was she the only one to have noticed Yuuri's behaviour over the past few months? She had watched Yuuri's interaction with Wolfram and had a slight suspicion. She noticed Yuuri's, although very subtle and naive, attempt to flirt with Wolfram. At first she had dismissed it as friendship and maybe a little more. But, after listening to the diary she was certain the Yuuri was in love with Wolfram, and that Wolfram, because of his own cluelessness, had not noticed Yuuri's very subtle flirtations. Now the only problem was that Angel person!
***M***
The cart along with the guard approached the outer walls of the temple. The escort gave a sign to the guards up on the ramparts to open the gates. The doors slowly opened and the cart and rider made their way into the temple courtyard. Ulrich gently awoke Yuuri with a small nudge on the shoulder. "Your Majesty we have arrived."
He was up to bat and Conrad was going to throw the next pitch. He knew Conrad's stance and style well enough. Conrad was going to through a curve ball at him. Yozak was the catcher and was mumbling something about not getting a home run and striking out with Wolfram. He looked to his left where Wolfram waited at third base. Wolfram was wearing a very tight baseball uniform the accentuated his body perfectly. Wolfram yelled that he better hit the ball out of the park so they could both have home runs. Conrad, as he had predicted, threw a curve ball. He smacked the ball. It soared into the air out of the park. He began to run the bases as Wolfram headed for home plate. 1st base, 2nd base, 3rd base, Wolfram was waiting for him at home plate with his arms open ready to catch him. As he approached home plate he knew he had a homerun. He touched the plate which turned into a mattress and launched himself towards Wolfram. Wolfram was going to catch him and… "Your Majesty we have arrived." Yuuri stirred and opened his eyes. He looked around disoriented taking in what he was actually seeing. Once again he had been rudely awakened in the middle of a nice dream. "Uh…are we at the temple?"
"Yes your Majesty," replied Ulrich.
Yuuri rubbed his eyes. He was tired. The lack of sleep was finally grabbing hold of him. He shook his head in order to see if he could bring himself to life.
Angel watched Yuuri and felt sorry for him. He noticed the slight bags under Yuuri's eyes. "Yuuri do you want something to waken you up? I have a drink that will help you stay awake."
Yuuri snapped his head towards Angel. Did he just hear Angel correctly? Was Angel offering him another of his concoctions? "What is it? It is not another of your concoctions, is it? If it is, I don't want it."
Angel laughed. "No it's not. In my rucksack you'll find some Red Bull."
Ulrich asked as Yuuri pulled the rucksack towards him and opened it, "What is Red Bull?"
"It's a beverage that helps fight off sleepiness," explained Angel.
Yuuri pulled out a can of Red Bull, pulled the tab, and drank it down in one gulp. He could not help but burp. "Sorry," he said. "That was not very kingly of me."
"Under the circumstances, no apologies are needed your majesty," said Gisela with a small laugh.
"Lady Gisela." Gisela and Angel turned their faces toward the direction Gisela's name had been called. Ulrike approached the cart. "I am glad you have arrived safely. Is King Yuuri with you?" she asked. She looked at Angel wondering who he was.
"I'm right here Ulrike," said Yuuri as he stood up on the cart, placed his right hand on the side, and swung himself over the cart landing near Ulrike.
"It is good to see back your Majesty," said Ulrike to Yuuri and then glanced back at Angel.
"It is good to be back. Maybe you can tell me why we ended up in Tagen Lake."
"Oh yes, is Lord Shouri with you?"
"Shouri? No." Yuuri shook his head.
"His Majesty King Shinou wanted to speak to you before you went to the castle. We tried to pull you here, but there was an unexpected occurrence and you ended up at Tagem Lake. We sincerely apologise for the mistake. However it felt like there was another person with you."
"Oh yes there is! So that explains it."
"There was someone with you?"
Yuuri grind. He looked at Angel and said, "Ulrike I would like for you to meet my friend." He pointed towards Angel, "Angel Ferrer Hidalgo."
Ulrike who had lived over 800 years, who had to deal with Shinou, who had to deal with Ken Murrata, who had dealt with Shoushu, and who thought she had almost seen it all, stood staring at Angel flabbergasted. Her eyes doubled in size and her mouth dropped open. Angel was a real person after all! There was a real A.F.H.!
"Angel, this is Lady Ulrike the temple's high priestess," said Yuuri. Angel looked at Ulrike not believing his eyes. Were not temple high priestesses old or middle-aged women with bad attitudes? Instead a child with extremely long hair, who had smiled gently at Yuuri, stood in front of him. He climbed off the cart and greeted Ulrike. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Lady Ulrike." He extended his hand towards the child. Ulrike placed her hand in his, and he bowed and air kissed the back of her hand. He lifted his head to face her and graced her with a sparkling movie star smile. 'Smooth' thought Yuuri as Ulrike modestly giggled.
"Ahem!" said Yuuri. "So Ulrike, why does Shinou want to see me?"
Ulrike turned to face him. "His Majesty will be happy to tell you. He is waiting for you King Yuuri." She turned back to face Angel.
"Well I better go see what he wants," said Yuuri as he made his way towards the shrine. As he walked into the temple he glanced back. Most of the shrine maidens, including Ulrike, were gawking a Angel. Yuuri did not know whether to laugh, or to be bothered by the fact that Angel was really drawing a lot of attention. A shrine maiden opened the door leading into the main hall that led to the shrine.
Ulrike continued to stare at Angel. She was brought out of her trance when Gisela called her name. "I am so sorry Lady Gisela. I was recalling some of today's events."
"I have brought the rare plants that your healer requested," said Gisela.
"I did not get a chance to ask you what the plants were for," said Angel.
Ulrich had picked up a box containing the plants and was handing them over to one of the maidens. Angel walked over to the maiden with the box and looked in it before it was taken away. "What are these for?" he asked.
Gisela walked over. She pointed to a red leaf plant, "This one is called floricam petestium. It can reduce severe pain if properly diluted and administered. But, if it is not processed currently it can become a powerful hallucinogen."
"Really? Now that is very interesting. And what does this one for?" He pointed to a plant, which had small blue flowers. The thick green leaves were lined with yellow veins.
"Oh that one is very rare. I could not believe our luck when we found it. It is called drozcolli lustivic moniam. It is a powerful aphrodisiac when properly prepared, but it is seldom use for that. It takes great expertise and time to prepare it. Also a large quantity is required. So it is used more for a quick picker upper in it's diluted form."
"I see, and this one?" Angel pointed to another plant. Gisela was about to respond when Ulrike interrupted. "I see you are very interested in plants Mr. Ferrer Hidalgo." Ulrike was becoming annoyed with Angel's interest in the plants. Was he planning on creating more potions? Was he using his knowledge and charm to charm is way into King Yuuri's life, and therefore into controlling the Demon Kingdom?
"Well yes I am. I am a firm believer in natural remedies," replied Angel innocently.
"Really? And do you make natural remedies?" asked Ulrike.
"Yes I do as a mater of fact. As a doctor I am always looking for the best remedies."
"Doctor?" said Ulrike.
"I am a doctor. A healer you might say. I practice general medicine and always try to use natural remedies."
Ulrike had to find out more. Did he give King Yurri the potions? "Have you made any poti…I mean remedies lately?
Angel replied earnestly, "Yes I have. Yuuri has tried some, and they have had some extraordinary effects."
Ulrike could not believe what Angel had just said. He had blatantly admitted to giving Yuuri the potions. What sort of game was this person playing? Of course he did not know that she knew that he had given King Yuuri the potions. Shinou had to be informed of this! "If you will excuse me." She turned and made her way to the shrine.
Angel watched Ulrike leave. He sensed something odd but could not quite put is finger on it. He was also amazed at how her long hair seemed to have move with her. It seemed to have a life of it's own.
***M***
The doors leading into the shrine opened and Yuuri stepped in. He saw Shinou, in full form, sitting on one of the boxes meditating. Yuuri walked up to him with determination as the doors closed behind him. Only Yuuri's steps firm steps and the sound of the gentle waterfall sounded in the shrine. Yuuri was determined not to let Shinou interfere in whatever mischievous plan he had. Shinou finally looked up at Yuuri when Yuuri stopped in front of him. "My dear chosen one I am so glad that you have come. How are you this fine evening?"
"I am doing fine, but could be doing better if I had arrived at the castle," replied Yuuri.
"I am so sorry about that, but there is something that I must discuss with you my dear boy."
"Well if you tell me why I am here, then I can leave and go to the castle. So let's make this quick!"
Shinou stood up. "Patience my chosen one! Did you know that patience is a virtue?" He walked toward the globe, which was covered.
"I keep telling myself that, but when it comes to you and Murata," Yuuri walked over to Shinou. "Patience would be an idiocy! So, what are you up to now?"
"Ouch that hurt! What little faith you have in me," Shinou said as he dramatically placed his hands over his heart.
"Are you going to tell me why I was pulled to Tagem Lake?"
Shinou dropped the theatrics and in a kingly manner said, "Lord Waltorana von Bielefeld has called a round table for tomorrow. I know that you and he have had your run-ins. Also he has in the past tried to under mine you. By doing so, he has tried to under mind me. I will not tolerate such actions."
Yuuri stood dumbfounded. "Waltorana has called a Round Table? Why now?"
"Not only that, he has called it when he knew that you were on Earth. He also called it for the day you were to return. Hence, I believe, not giving you time to be ready for him."
"I see. You have a point. But if you had let me go directly to the castle, Gwendal and Gunter would have informed me of the Round Table."
"Yes they would have. But as I see it, they would also have played it down. Lord von Christ, I am sure, would say something to the effect, 'Oh your Majesty please do not worry. Gwendal and I will take care of everything'" Shinou did a bad imitation of Gunter.
"You forgot to add Gwendal's eye tick."
"That too!" Shinou laughed. Then he became sombre again. "I believe that Bielefeld has called the Round Table because of Saralegui. And after his last atrocious visit, I cannot blame Bielefeld for wanting reassurances. I, unlike you, do not trust Saralegui."
"I do trust Sara. I do not doubt him one single bit!" Yuuri said this proudly.
"See what I mean? Yuuri he might try to use you again," said an exasperated Shinou. Yuuri was too trusting.
Yuuri smiled, "I trust him to come up with some scheme to get me involved in over taking Big Cimeron. I don't doubt that he wants to control my magic for what ever master plan he has!"
Shinou was surprised by Yuuri's assessment. "So what you are saying is that you know Saralegui well enough to trust him to come up with a devious plan."
"Exactly. I have complete faith in him to attempt to use me again."
Shinou started laughing. He had never heard of anyone trusting someone that was devious. But what Yuuri had said made complete sense. "So it is like keep your friends close, and enemies closer."
"You could say something like that, but I do consider Sara to be a friend. Look at you and Murata," Yuuri said proudly.
"Yuuri, that hurts. How can you compare us to Saralegui?"
"I consider you my friend and Murata my best friend. And both of you are always scheming something behind my back."
"You have a slight point. A slight one mind you."
Both kings glared at each other for a few seconds. Finally Shinou broke the silence. "What do you intended to do about Bielefeld?"
Yuuri began to pace around the shrine. Reassuring Wolfram's uncle that Sara was not going to be a threat should be simple, but the man was hard headed. He needed to find a way to mellow the man down and get him to see his point of view. It had to be something that he could confide to Waltorana, something personal, something like…
Yuuri smiled he had just the plan, and he also wanted Shinou's opinion. He looked at the spirit. "I have a way to get Wolfram's uncle on my side and see my way of things, but I would like your approval on it."
"My approval? Yuuri, this is your country. I no longer rule it. Whatever it is I think you can decide on your own."
"Okay, let's say advice then."
"I will give you advice."
Yuuri smiled. "Something happened on Earth that made me start to think."
"Go ahead," said Shinou. What he wanted to say was 'You actually did some thinking?'
"I want to make sure Wolfram is the next in-line to the throne if anything were to happen to me."
Shinou was surprised to say the least. Yuuri had done some thinking, but what happened on Earth to make him think? "I am actually surprised that you have been thinking of such things. What happened on Earth to make you think that something could happen to you?"
"Let's just say I was given something that I was not supposed to be given."
"What do you mean?"
Yuuri was about to explain when the door to the shrine opened and Ulrike walked in. "I am sorry to interrupt. Is your discussion coming along well?" She had a strange look on her face.
"Yes it is Ulrike. Is everything alright?" asked Shinou.
"King Yuuri, I believe King Shinou would like to meet your friend."
"Angel?" said Yuuri which earned several double takes from Shinou. 'Did he just say Angel?' thought Shinou
"Yes, Aaaangel Ffffferrer Hhhhidalgo," said Ulrike with an odd grin plastered on her face. Shinou's mouth dropped open. Yuuri was befuddled by the way Ulrike had said Angel's name. Shinou then said, "Yes, of course, I want to meet him!"
"I have already sent for him your Majesty."
Yuuri then had to ask, "Why do you want to meet Angel?"
"Why did you not tell me you brought a friend from Earth? I thought it was Lord Shouri that had come with you."
"Well there is an explanation for his coming here," said Yuuri as he scratched the back of his head.
"Oh please do tell."
"Well you see, as I said, I was given something to drink, and I shouldn't have, and Sh…" he was cut off when Angel entered the shrine led by one of the temple maidens.
"So you are Angel!" exclaimed Shinou has Angel approached them. Shinou's eyes sparkled mischievously.
Angel bowed before the great Original King. "It is an honour to meet you your Majesty."
With a wave of the hand Shinou said, "Oh the honour is all mine." He then turned to Yuuri, "Yuuri, I have just thought of something. You and your entourage will stay here overnight. I'll send a messenger to Lord Waltorana von Bielefeld to come here. Then you can ride back to the castle with him."
"I should go back with Gisela."
"Lady Gisela will stay here also. I command it and so it will be done. It will also give you the opportunity to have a talk with Bielefeld about what we discussed earlier."
Yuuri's mind began to tick. If he spoke with Waltorana in private, he could get him to see things his way. "I see what you mean," said Yuuri with a silly grin. He could also tell him about Wolfram's attempt to break the engagement. "That might just work. Alright, we'll stay and wait for Waltorana."
"Excellent," said Shinou. "Ulrike please have the maidens prepare rooms for our esteemed guests."
"As you wish your majesty," said Ulrike. She turned to leave the shrine wondering what exactly Shinou was up too.
Shinou smiled at Yuur and Angel and said, "So what adventure did you have on Earth?"
Yuuri responded, "Shouri decided to play big brother again."
Angel added, "Dr. Rodrigues and I gave Shouri six energy drinks to try out."
"And Shouri gave them to me!" said Yuuri.
"Right," said Angel, "and he also gave him one that he found on Jose´s desk,"
"And he put it in my rucksack. So I went and tried it also."
"But the one that Shouri found on Jose's desk was expired."
"Expired?" asked Shinou.
Yuuri explained, "It had gone bad and caused me to see things."
"So to make sure that Yuuri is okay, we decided that it was best for me, as a doctor, to come along and make sure he is okay."
Shinou knitted is brow, "My I ask how long have you two known each other?"
"We met this morning at Bob's place," replied Yuuri cheerfully. "Oh, but don't tell anyone we just met. I don't want them to think that I am bringing a complete stranger to Shin Makoku."
Shinou pieced the conversation together with what had been written in the dairy: Yuuri had just met Angel, Shouri had been the one to give Yuuri the drinks, Shouri had given Yuuri a drink that had gone bad, Yuuri's dream had been caused by a bad drink, and since Yuuri had just met Angel the Angel in his dream was not the AFH in front of him. Oh let the mass confusion begin! With a big smile Shinou said, "Yuuri I happen to agree with you. I can just imagine Lord von Voltaire's eye twitching if he found out that you brought a complete stranger to Shin Makoku. It is best for you two to act like you have know each other for a while."
"I will have to tell Murata…oh where is he?" asked Yuuri as he looked around for his friend.
"Oh he has been at the castle all day long," said Shinou with a wave of a hand.
"Oh, oh okay," replied Yuuri thoughtfully. Why was Murata staying at the castle? What was he up to? Was he trying to come up with a strategy for the Round Table? He would found in the morning when he arrived there. That reminded him, "We should send word to Blood Pledge Castle and let them know that we are here."
"You don't want to do that!" Shinou quickly responded.
"Why not?"
"Then Lord Weller, Lord von Kriest, and Wolfram will come here immediately."
"Oooo, your right. Then I won't be able to talk to Waltarona. Best surprise them then!" Yuuri scratched the back of his head and let out a yawn. "Excuse me, I am kind of tired."
"And there is something else that you should not mention to the people in the castle," said Shinou. An angelical smile graced his face.
"What is it?"
"Do not tell them about the drinks!"
"Why not?"
"Well for one, Lady Anissina might try to get her hands on them, two Günter would think that they are an evil potion, three your fiancée will call you an idiot, four the Sage will try to get his hands on the expired one for his own perverted dreams, five…ditto Yozak, six Lord Weller…"
"I get, I get," sighed Yuuri. If they knew about his dream and the cause of it….oh boy! He really needed to tear that page out of the diary. ASAP!
But, Angel had to comment. "Didn't that drink cause you to see purple, or was it blue dragons?
"Dragons?" said Shinou and Yuuri simultaneously.
"That is what Jose told me," replied Angel.
Yuuri scratched the back of his head and stuttered, "Uh…ye…yeah…purple dragons! That was it! Purple Dragons!"
Shinou stifled his laugh. Puprle dragons! Right, and he had to blurt out, "I was sure white robe would have been involved." Oops!
Yuuri's mouth dropped open. Why did Shinou think of a white robe? Was Shinou prodding in is dreams? Or had Shinou somehow managed to read his diary? That would be highly unlikely, hopefully? Yuuri was to tired to think, but something fishy was going on and he had to think about it later. He yawned again. "I really need to get some rest if I am to meet Waltorana in the tomorrow, but why did you mention a white robe?"
Shinou quickly moved to the door and opened it. He motioned for Yuuri and Angel "That is an excellent idea. Why don't you both get a good nights rest and we'll continue to talk tomorrow," said Shinou as he ushered both men out of the Shrine.
The door quickly closed behind them leaving Yuuri and Angel befuddled. They felt that they had just been kicked out of the shrine. A maiden approached them and asked them to follow her to their rooms.
Shinou sighed in relieve. He had sad a little too much when he mentioned the robe. Hopefully Yuuri, being tired, had not paid notice to the white robe thingy, and how interested he was in Angel. But then again, Yuuri was smart enough to piece things together. Shinou was certain that he was not the only one that was going to let tad bits of the diary out. It was going to be so much fun once Yuuri found out his diary had been read.